Vanessa Sutch Tuition
Here is a little bit about myself:
I am in my early 30s. I was born in Paris, France. I moved to the Uk nearly 11 years ago. I studied British and American Literature and Civilisation at university in Paris, up to Masters level.
Before going to university, I had a break to enrich my languages skills. I came over to England as an Au Pair for a fantastic family. This made me want to come back after my studies. I then went back to France to go to uni. After getting my degree, I came back to the UK to become a Languages Assistant in a secondary school in Stevenage, whilst still studying for my Masters. My role there developed more into a part-time languages teacher than an assistant. This school made me realise more than ever that this was the path I wanted to follow in life... become a teacher. I therefore trained to become a fully qualified teacher by doing my GTP in a secondary school in Letchworth.
After gaining the fully Qualified Teacher Status, I started in another school in Letchworth where I started as a French and Spanish teacher.
After 4 years, I was given the opportunity to divide my timetable in half by teaching Modern Foreign Languages (French and Spanish) as well as Music. I stayed in this role until December 2011, when I decided to leave and become a private teacher.
Obviously for French, I am a native speaker, so I can teach at all levels. Whether you need a boost with school work, help with GCSEs or AS or A level, then no problem! I also teach adults who simply want to start from scratch or refresh their rusty French. If you don't want to do it alone, then I can do small group sessions and take into account exactly what you wish to accomplish.
Regarding Spanish, I have studied it for a long time, along with many other languages. At one point I have studied 7 languages. I have a lot of experience teaching Spanish at all levels, mainly Key Stage 3 and 4. Again, I can help from school work to wanting to speak the language before going on holiday!
Regarding the Music side of things, here is my background:
I was always attracted to Music from a very young age. My mum wanted to be sure that this was not just a "phase" before putting me forward for lessons. I was finally on the waiting list at age 10 and finally got a place at the Conservatoire de Bondy age 13. There, I had fantastic opportunities as I did not just have piano lessons. My timetable was amazing and I quickly became an accomplished musician. I used to have Music theory for 3 hours on a Monday night, piano lesson on a Wednesday and Saturdays used to be spent doing sight-reading, chamber music, ensembles...
I used to play in many concerts organised by the Conservatoire. My last one was amazing. I had the opportunity to play on a real period Harpsichord in a church with a violinist and a flautist, in front of around 300 people. My Piano teacher was amazing and I will always remember her. (Agnes Melck). We also used to attend many concerts.
I passed my exams in France and reached Grade 8 level by the time I was 17/18.
In addition to this, I studied Music at school, for my Baccalaureat, where I achieved the highest grade.
As previously said, I then took a break before going to university and came to the UK. Although the family I au-paired for had a piano, I could not afford lessons and therefore did not progress as much as I would have liked.
I then went back to France, but my mother had moved. Unfortunately in France, you do not get to chose which Conservatoire you go to, you get appointed the one you live closest to. Unfortunately I was appointed the worst teacher who possibly exists. She restricted my playing and would only let me play pieces that she liked. Trying to do my diploma with her was just impossible. With her all she would offer was contemporary music such as Schoenberg and that was it. No Music theory classes, no chamber music, no ensembles, no concerts... She had a very negative impact on me and lowered my confidence.
Luckily, I was fortunate enough to meet a few years later Kate Elmitt, who restored my confidence and has taught me so much. She is absolutely amazing and I must thank her for all she does for me.
Kate offers so much more than just piano lessons: courses for beginners and advanced students, student competitions, masterclasses, presentations... The list is endless. Kate has also introduced me to another person I have to thank who also helped me so much along the way, Masayuki Tayama. I have taken part in many masterclasses organised by Kate and led by Masa and they have have been so enriching and they have both given me the confidence to be where I am today.
So this is pretty much my background for all the tuition I am offering.
All tuition takes place at my house, and I adapt times and length of lessons to fit what you want. However I can also come out and teach in your own home if you wish.
